Advice on a 50" widescreen TV for ~$3,000 ? (1 Viewer)

[Geoff Hague]

Hey everyone!
My dad recently charged me with finding him a new TV for his family room, and I figured this might be the best place to ask for some advice.

He's looking at a 50" widescreen set, and he's willing to spend about Cdn$4,000 (which I guess is about US$3,000).

The TV will be used about 75% for digital cable TV, and the rest for DVD movies (he'll be getting a new progressive-scan DVD player as well). We're both a little overwhelmed at the various choices out there, and considering the size of the investment, he wants to make sure he gets the best TV he can for the money.

The slim form-factor of the new LCD and DLP models are very attractive, and would be preferable over the bigger CRTs, but I don't think he needs to rule out CRTs completely.

Anyway, any suggestions, comments, experiences, or links to info on other sites would be greaty appreciated.

Thanks!
~Geoff

 

[Aaron H]

Bump for this question. I'm wondering the same thing myself.

Aaron

 

[SimiA]

Try the Panasonic PT-50LC14:
Specs:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-So9wuPW...sp?i=13350LC14
Vb

 

[Steven_Lazarus]

I guess to help provide insight we would need a bit more info...

1. What type of television are you most interested in....
Projection (front/rear), Plasma, LCD, Tube.... With a $3000 budget all are available....

2. What size room will it be going in, what is the average seating distance from the television, are there extreme viewing angles, what are the lighting conditions like, always bright, always dark, can it be controlled...

3. Do you already have a Surround Sound System, A/V unit? This comes into play if you consider going with a cheaper unit, cheaper in price that is. There are alot of nice televisions that can be had from the $1500 - $2000 dollar range. In turn, this opens the possibility of getting some surround sound in the room increasing the enjoyment factor (Theatrelike-experience) while watching those DVD's.....

After answering those questions we can start to narrow it down a bit..

Ciao,
Steve

 

[Shane Martin]

If he is willing to deal with the size of a typical CRT setup, then he will be rewarded with a better picture IMHO. Also, he will get more size for his money. For $3k US, you can get a 65" Mits or Toshiba or Hitachi easily for that. Meanwhile if you go with an LCD, DLP, LCOS, DILA type set, then you are looking at 50" Max for that price and that is a reach. Most of them are a few hundred more than that. If he is stuck going that route, then the Samsung 50" just got a great review in S&V recently. It looks to be a winner.

Also, lots and lots of ambient light would be a no no with a CRT. I have quite a bit but the picture is never unwatchable but it looks its best with the lights dimmed or the shades drawn.

 

[Geoff Hague]

Thanks for the responses, everyone. Here's a little more info:

- Average seating distance is about 7-8 feet, and there aren't really any extreme viewing angles to worry about.

- Definitely looking at rear-projection. As I mentioned in the first post, we're not entirely sure which technology would work best, but we're leaning towards a slim-profile LCD or DLP.

- The room is, hmmm... maybe 10' x 20' (?). Just a normal, medium size family room.

- Ambient light is probably on the high side, and it's not very controllable because it's a fairly open room (ie: it opens right up to the kitchen and eating area).

- I realize there's more "size for the dollar" with CRTs, but we've determined that 50" is about as big as we want to go in the room.

- Don't have a surround setup, and aren't planning on getting one.

 

[Ryan Mahady]

Sony KF-50WE610 is what I chose and I love it. I paid $2700 for mine at Circuit City. I absolutely love it. Everything you mentioned about what you were looking for was the same things I had to deal with.

 

[Andrew Grall]

With some haggling, you should be able to get the JVC HD-52Z75 or JVC HD-52Z85 for less than $3000. These are very nice digital sets based upon LCOS technology. The only difference between the models I listed is the cabinet color.

 

[SimiA]

"With some haggling, you should be able to get.."

Andrew is correct!!!
If the store you're shopping at is open to negotiation, you can get a great deal!
Vb

 

[Jon_Heidbreder]

I agree with SimiA the Panasonic PT-50LC14 is the best bang for the buck for what you seem to be describing. You might even have enough money left over to get him a HTIB system.


Good luck

 

[Aaron H]

You guys like the Panny over the Sony Grand Wega LCD's? Any reasons why in particular?

 

[wayne-sun]

One thing that you mention is "it's a fairly open room (ie: it opens right up to the kitchen and eating area)." This makes me think that a very good looking set is also a plus. This would make me lean a little bit more towards the GRAND WEGA as they are, in my opinion a beautiful looking set as well as having a strong picture in high light areas, although it would be more $$$ than your stated budget.

 

[arun]

Adv of Panny LC14

~ PC connectivity
~ better looks than sony lcd ( subjective)
~ price..atleast 200-300 bucks less than sony

Adv of Sony

~ better SD